Happy New Year

We went from being stressed with the chore of marketing trees in October and early November to being crazy busy with harvest. Everything went smoothly. All trees were shipped on time and the weather was very cooperative. We had unusual dry days for most of harvest. It was certainly cold but dry.

Then we went right into a full calendar of Christmas programs, Saturday morning basketball games, cookie exchanges, Christmas parties with Santa and shopping.



Last year was the first time we stayed here for Christmas. There was just too much snow and ice to travel over the mountain. But this year we needed to go home. It just feels right being with family at Christmas. It's funny how much you can cram into just a few days.





The boys rode snow mobiles and four wheelers in the snow, sometimes with saucers of little people behind them. There were bonfires and snowmen.





They made a batch or two of jerky in the smokehouse (from tags filled last fall).



The girls and little guys made cookies and candy. Nights were short and the ride home was long. But being with family is what makes my world go round. Now that everything is settling down from harvest, I find myself in a restless place. I need something to keep me busy. A couple days ago I cleaned and organized my pantry. Now every time I walk by, I open the doors and look inside. Ahhhhh, I love organization. I had no idea that I had that much coconut and chocolate chips!

Yesterday was New Years Day. Last year on that day was when the wind blew down 11 big fir trees in the woods. We sure don't want that to happen again.
I guess I am breathing a little sigh of relief from the last couple months. I know there are mountains ahead to climb and I need to stay focused and positive. I read something today, it said: "Everyone is born with a limited amount of time. Every moment we live--weather we're working, playing, complaining, or being thankful--is time that we've spent. Nothing is more valuable than the time we have left." I hope to make each day a good day. I decided not to make any New Years resolutions. I usually don't stick with them for very long anyway. Instead, I will focus on doing my best everyday to stay positive. My mew motto: B+ (be positive) The biggest reward for a thing well done is to have done it. Now, I think I will go organize a closet or something. Happy New Year!!